City’s SmartCape set to increase digital literacy and skills for residents
11 March 2026
The City of Cape Town’s Information Systems and Technology (IS&T) Department is pleased to announce a major digital boost to its already thriving SmartCape digital access and literacy programme. SmartCape provides residents with free access to computers, internet connectivity and basic digital skills training at public libraries and community facilities across the city. As part of this investment, the City will upgrade SmartCape computers, strengthen its public Wi-Fi network, and allocate more than R15 million towards modernising IT infrastructure and equipment in City libraries to ensure residents have access to reliable, up-to-date digital resources.
The SmartCape programme was initiated in July 2002 with five computers deployed at six public libraries across the City.
‘Today, more than 550 000 people are registered SmartCape users across the city. At 101 libraries, residents can use computers to browse the internet, create documents such as CVs and improve typing skills.
These SmartCape computers will be upgraded over the next two financial years. The City is also improving public Wi-Fi, with faster speeds and tokenless access coming soon, plus expanded Wi-Fi coverage across more City facilities. These upgrades will help more residents connect, learn and access opportunities in the digital world,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Corporate Services, Alderman Theresa Uys.
Recent statistics show strong SmartCape usage among the 11 to 13 and 41 to 50 age groups. The programme has also demonstrated its accessibility across generations, with the oldest participant to date being an 83-year-old resident who successfully completed the City’s Digital Literacy Training course. The course is offered weekly, in person, at multiple City facilities and aims to equip residents with essential computer skills.
In addition to training and internet access, SmartCape also offers LAN gaming, providing a safe environment where young people can engage with technology in a constructive way. The City currently provides 16 gaming stations across various facilities, with activities primarily focused during school holiday periods.
Following general internet browsing, the most commonly used application is Open Office Writer, typically for drafting documents such as CVs and application forms. This is followed by a typing tutor programme, which helps users improve their keyboard and digital productivity skills.
‘Cape Town’s libraries are some of the most important public spaces in our communities. Every day, residents use them to study, search for jobs, access information and connect to opportunities. That’s why the rollout of high-speed WiFi and SmartCape upgrades across our facilities is so important. The demand for these services is clear. In the last six months of 2025, our libraries recorded nearly four million visits, welcomed more than 24 000 new members, and now serve more than 253 000 residents,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham.
The City is further investing in modernising its library network. In the current financial year, more than R15 million has been allocated to upgrading IT infrastructure and equipment across our libraries.
Infrastructure investments are also being made and already includes the R14,8 million expansion of the Hector Pietersen Memorial Library in Lwandle and upgrades at Khayelitsha, Brown’s Farm and Suider-Strand.
Caption 1: A SmartCape user at the Durbanville Public Library
Caption 2: Group photo: Yorke Gordon, Nuhaah Benjamin, Natalie Carls, Zanele Matshotyana, Councillor Francine Higham, Alderman Theresa Uys, Xolani Nzama, Ntuthuzelo Dyikwana and Shuaib Parker
Caption 3: Councillor Francine Higham and Alderman Theresa Uys at the Durbanville Public Library on Monday, 9 March 2026
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Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
